About Connecting Cultures

EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO FACILITATING ANY CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY

What is Connecting Cultures All About?

Zionism Victoria’s mission of connecting Victorians with Israel is bolstered by its Connecting Cultures program. It is a FREE program offered to all Victorian schools and communal organisations aiming to foster cross cultural awareness. By educating and informing students and their teachers, Zionism Victoria enriches their understanding of Jewish culture and history, the Jewish connection to Israel and helps cultivate the values of tolerance and respect.

Established over twenty years ago, by Zionism Victoria, Connecting Cultures has provided informative, educational and entertaining discussions and lectures to thousands of Victorians each year. Initially launched as the Public Speakers Bureau, and then the Public Speakers Service, the program was revamped in 2016 to give it a fresh new look and more meaning. Connecting Cultures was reborn.

Its’ purpose is to supply quality educational programs to groups interested in exploring the many aspects of Jewish life: religion, history, culture and of course Israel. Groups range from senior school age students to elderly communities (both Jewish and non-Jewish).

Our panel of speakers is made up of informed, engaging and experienced presenters, who are available to speak on a wide range of topics relating to Israel and Jewish life. The speakers are volunteers, and their services are provided free of charge to the host organisation. They may speak on site, or alternatively, an arrangement for the organization to visit the Beth Weizmann Community Centre for the presentation can be made.

One of the benefits of the program is that it is flexible to be tailored to the requirements of the school or organization that requires the services. With the connections that we have created, we can access services and facilitate programs that the schools and organisations would not be aware of. In particular, the country schools who do not have access to the resources or knowledge to be able to arrange such a program.

Currently, Connecting Cultures has an outreach of Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and various community organisations.

Additional options include a tour of theJewish Holocaust Centreor theJewish Museum of Australia, an Israeli-style lunch, talk at the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre or a visit to a local synagogue for a hands-on look at the rituals and themes surrounding Jewish religious practice.

Costs

While the Connecting Cultures Program is free, there are charges associated with entrance to the Jewish Holocaust Centre (by donation), Jewish Museum of Australia (upon application) and the Israeli lunch ($10 + GST per person). Please note that prices do vary from time to time.

What is Zionism Victoria?

Zionism Victoria (previously known as the Zionist Council of Victoria) is the roof body of the Victorian Jewish and Zionism Community representing 52 local Jewish organisations. Zionism Victoria fosters a deep connection between the Melbourne Jewish community and Israel, as well as bridging between the Jewish community and the general community.